The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe has a small third-row seat, but delivers on almost every major crossover-SUV talking point.
Pros No major flaws A very good value Excellent passenger space Well-equipped, across the board Smooth 6-cylinder delivery
Cons Stiff mileage penalty for AWD Six speeds may be too few Slim third-row space
The 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe ranked #14 in Midsize SUVs. Currently the Hyundai Santa Fe has a score of 8.2 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 57 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Class-leading warranty and buyer's coverage Enthusiastic V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder engines Fuel-efficient standard engine in Santa Fe Sport
Cons Meager amount of cargo room
With only three trim levels and one option, picking the right Santa Fe isn't too difficult. We think the sweet spot is the SE Ultimate, which comes with the comfort and safety features you'll want along with a larger entertainment and navigation system and a surround-sound audio system
PROS Plenty of standard features for the money Easy-to-use entertainment interface Generous warranty coverage
CONS Fuel economy is slightly below par Limited availability of advanced driver safety aids Cargo capacity falls short of some competitors
The 2018 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid breathe new life into the hybrid segment, with a practical wagon shape and excellent interior you’d never know was a hybrid.
Pros Utility vehicle styling Good noise suppression Handsome, intuitive interior 40-mpg-plus fuel economy Plug-in version priced well
Cons AWD unavailable Sluggish acceleration at speed No crash-test data yet Plug-in range now only average
The 2018 Kia Niro ranked #5 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Kia Niro has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 14 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Magnificent fuel economy Spacious, comfortable seats Generous cargo capacity Upscale cabin
Cons Less athletic than rivals Not available with AWD High base price
The most significant change for the 2018 Niro is the addition of lane keeping assist, replacing the previous lane departure warning system. It's included in the Advanced Technology package available on LX and EX trims, and it's standard on the top Touring trim.
PROS Impressive fuel economy from the base trim model One of the more affordable hybrids in the segment Batteries are hidden under the rear seat and don't affect cargo space
CONS Feature-laden Touring trim sacrifices fuel efficiency Less cargo space than most rivals Feels lazy when driving in the default Eco mode All-wheel drive isn't offered despite crossover styling
